Me and Lana Del Rey (A.K.A. My Favorite Lana Del Rey Songs)

Among my circle of friends and people who keep up with me, there’s an ongoing conversation about myself and Lana Del Rey. Though I refer to her as Elizabeth.

No, we aren’t dating. But the conversation is based on my appreciation for her music. So people ask me what my favorite Lana Del Rey song is and for the first time, perhaps ever for some, they see me without an immediate answer.

The reason for that is because I have several favorite Lana Del Rey songs. People say, “What if you had to pick just one.” Well I don’t have to, now do I?

So here’s my list of top Lana Del Rey songs (you knew that was coming). Maybe they’re in order of how I like them and maybe they aren’t. It depends on the day. I’ve embedded the videos below so enjoy.

West Coast – There’s not a whole lot to say about this song compared to others. It just doesn’t have the conspiracy theory status as much as others. It’s a really cool beat and talks about Hollywood to a certain degree in the 1960’s or so. And, typical Lana, she likes older men as she told us in her song “Cola” and alludes to elsewhere.

National Anthem – this Lana song, in my opinion, is about Marilyn Monroe’s love for John F. Kennedy (a libertarian). It includes the typical Lana Del Rey quirks and parts that only make sense when you’re high. Basically, in typical Lana Del Rey fashion, she’s in love with a successful man who lives life on his own terms. Like many of her songs, this one takes place in a 1960’s type of world of which Lana often portrays herself as a jazz singer. And like most of her songs, there are nods and links to other of her songs. The ending to this particular video, where Lana talks, is especially wonderful. Lana, I hear you. The ending, again, in my opinion, is Lana speaking as Marilyn Monroe about John F. Kennedy. She talks about how the difficulties of their affair grew stronger over the years, but so did her love for him. Note that Lana plays both Marilyn and Jacqueline Kennedy. I have my thoughts about that, but they’re something I won’t be sharing in this post. See below:

And the ending:

American – Ah Elizabeth, if any song is essentially Lana Del Rey, this one is it. She’s patriotic without the elements that have been added today and hijacked. It’s 1960’s America in her world, the golden era of Hollywood. “Like a baby you spin me round like a child” – again with the older, stronger man. “Be proud, like an American,” again, it’s this larger-than-life man who knows who he is and enjoys life. That’s who Elizabeth, I mean, Lana, wants. The video shows iconic Americans of the past. But the message to all of us, American or not, is, be who you are and don’t be afraid of it. Ignore the haters. Do it anyway. Love who you love. It’s your life. Not theirs. Enjoy.

You Can Be The Boss – Like “American,” this song is very much typical Lana Del Rey. “You can be the boss daddy, you can be the boss.” Yeah, Lana is not afraid to go there. Of course she’s not. “I knew it was wrong, I’m beyond it. I tried to be strong but I lost it.” “He’s sick and he’s taken, but honest. He tells me to ‘shut up I got this.'”

“I need you, I need you babe, like I’ve never needed anyone. You’re wrong but you’re so much fun.” I like that knowing smile. Take it away Lana.

Religion – This is a “lovers against the world” song. And who better to sing that than Lana?

Ultraviolence – This song, as with most of Lana’s, is a meshing of her childhood, modern day, and a throw back to the 1960’s (even the color of the film). And in this one, she pulls out her Vegas-jazz-singer feel, though not necessarily in the way she sings. She’s the little girl in love, though grown up. She’s not just in love with just anyone. It’s her baby. That man she respects, loves, and whose adventure she wants to be part of. He’s a throwback to when there were more real men. And notice that she’s in a wedding dress the entire time. I have lots of thoughts on this song, but you’d need to know me to have a shot at getting those.

*Notable Mention Queen of Disaster – Lana is just being Lana in this one. For example, “You’re the bad boy that I always dreamed of. You’re the king and, baby, I’m the queen of disaster.” This man’s face is “painted on her soul.” Despite their “twisted fate.” The one Lana loves is worth overcoming the obstacles that are presented.

*Notable Mention Serial Killer – She loves him a little too much. Because that’s what’s fun. I believe she wrote this song about those women who “fall in love,” with famous killers. Those women are not looking for those men, but they think they are. Again, they are, according to most of Lana’s songs, seeking out that man who isn’t afraid to be who he is. He leads, he pioneers, he lives his own live and ignores what the haters say. She follows his lead by being unafraid to be herself as well.